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Cruise vacations offer passengers the opportunity to see exotic new places around the world while they play, party and get pampered. Many of the cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, which feature deluxe room accommodations, meals, drinks, onboard recreation, nighttime entertainment, gratuities and surcharges. In addition, these ships feature well-appointed casinos that allow everyone from the casual gamer to the serious gambler to get in on the action. And with a few well-played rounds, some lucky passenger might even wind up paying for her trip.

Carnival Cruise Lines: Carnival Spirit

The Carnival Spirit is a massive 12-deck superliner that cruises up and down the western coast of Canada and the US, with popular all-inclusive itineraries such as San Diego to Baja Mexico and Vancouver to Alaska. Gaming aficionados can pay a visit to the Carnival Spirit Casino, which features poker, roulette, craps, blackjack and dozens of slot machines. In the meantime, younger passengers have access to a kids-only club area with video games, dancing, late-night movies and karaoke. Onboard amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, waterslide, two cocktail bars and the Pharaoh's Palace theater with nightly live entertainment. A main dining room has an extensive wine list and serves various international dishes, while other dining options include a steakhouse, sushi bar, European-style cafe, and room service. Staterooms range from smaller interior and ocean-view units to large suites with private verandas and entertainment centers. Carnival Cruise Lines 3655 NW 87th Ave. Miami, FL 33178 888-227-6482 carnival.com

Princess Cruises: Ocean Princess

The 11-deck Ocean Princess is affectionately referred to by Princess as its "Pearl of the Pacific," offering a slew of cruises ranging from six days to 56 days through the Mediterranean, West Africa, India and Southeast Asia. The ship's full-service casino and bar not only offers table games such as poker, roulette and blackjack, but also video poker and a collection of the newest slot machines. Supervised youth and teen centers give the kids a place of their own with everything from foosball tables to arts and crafts to pizza parties and pajama nights. Onboard amenities include an outdoor pool with sun deck, day spa, duty-free shops, yoga classes, art auctions and a virtual golf course. Dining options include a steakhouse, Italian bistro, formal dining hall and casual buffet with take-out. All luxury-style staterooms feature a queen-sized bed, sofa, cable TV and mini-fridge, while some also have balconies and whirlpool tubs. Princess Cruises 24844 Ave. Rockefeller Santa Clarita, CA 91355 800-774-6237 princess.com

Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn

The 14-deck Norwegian Dawn departs from either Boston or Miami to a host of Caribbean destinations such as Barbados, St. Kitts, Cozumel, Antigua and Grand Cayman. In addition to standards like roulette and blackjack, the ship's fashionable Dawn Club Casino offers baccarat, Let It Ride, and Caribbean stud poker. The all-inclusive price covers the use of three pools, including one for kids, six Jacuzzis, galleria shopping, a cinema, fitness center and jogging track. In addition, the onboard spa and beauty salon offers a variety of treatments, from massages to manicures to body scrubs. Abundant food choices include Italian and French restaurants, a steakhouse, salsa tapas bar, poolside bar and grill, and Venetian-style main dining hall. Accommodations range from standard interior and ocean-view rooms with two twin beds up to a 5,000-square-foot garden villa with living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms. Norwegian Cruise Line 7665 Corporate Center Drive Miami, FL 33126 866-234-7350 ncl.com

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About the Author

Mark Heidelberger has been writing for more than 22 years, from articles and short stories to novels and screenplays. He is a consummate foodie, loves to travel and has run several businesses, all of which influence his work. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA.